The story below is a reprint from the New York Times. We're very happy to share that they've rated the newly un-dammed White Salmon River as #13 of 46 major places to visit in the world. Read full article. The White Salmon River is just an hour east of Camas, and our hotel, as you head into the majestic Columbia River Gorge. Wet Planet White Water Rafting is a great way to see the river, although Spring Fishing is amazing too.

A RIVER RUNS FREE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A CENTURY!It’s a white-water paddler’s dream come true. A major dam removal in October to allow for fish passage means that the White Salmon River now runs all the way to the Columbia River, flowing freely from its glacial headwaters at Mount Adams for the first time in 100 years. Local outfitters like Wet Planet are expected to begin rafting and kayaking tours on the newly opened section of challenging Class IV rapids early this year. Conservationists are happy, too, as spawning chinook salmon and steelhead trout have already been spotted swimming upstream in the new habitat. — Bonnie Tsui

We are delighted welcome Chef Tim McCusker, his wife Melissa, along with their partner Ryan Renior to Camas. They have opened a new restuarant at the Camas Hotel.

Chef Tim & Melissa are warm and welcoming and the food is delicious. Fun Small plates, larger full plates of creative fresh and local food that Northwest is famous for. Visit their facebook page facebook/camasharvest for updates on menu, special events, etc.

"Summer's Best Party" is just around the corner! The 144th annual Clark County Fair promises to entertain the whole family with big-name music stars taking the stage, carnival rides for all ages, vendors selling mouth-watering food, and non-stop entertainment at the grandstand! Nothing says summer like the county fair, so be sure to get your tickets now!

Check out the Event Calendar on the Vancouver USA website for more information on these and other upcoming events.

Community NewsExperience History First-Hand From the various churches and schools to the old City Hall to the modern and international buildings, the history of downtown Vancouver truly is worth exploring. In the summer, the Clark County Historical Museum leads walking tours through downtown every Friday at noon and every other Saturday at 9am, each with a different theme. Just one afternoon with a tour guide will leave you amazed at the history of our town!

Markets Galore!On July 12, the Salmon Creek Farmers' Market opened in North Vancouver, meaning there are now six area markets open for the summer! There is no shortage of options for fresh produce, local food vendors, and home-made arts and crafts. With markets also in Downtown Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Ridgefield, and La Center there is always a farmers market nearby!

Tourism & Travel News Summer Travel Hot TipsPortland International Airport has added several flights this summer, giving you even more options to come see us! PDX also released a guide to making your airport trip as easy and convenient as possible, including tips on how to get through security lines quicker, where to park, and how to enjoy some unusual perks such as live music.

Vancouver's Month of Music Is there anything better than grabbing a lawn chair at an outdoor summer concert while soaking up some rays? There is no shortage of live music options throughout Clark County this August!From August 3-4, CouvFest NW will feature 14 bands over two days on three stages in the downtown area, with food carts and vendors on hand as well. The performances will take place at Torque Coffee Roasters, Turtle Place Park, and in front of Briz Loan & Guitar.

Just two weeks afterCouvFest, Couvapalooza will take over downtown, with bands performing on the Esther Short Park stage! All proceeds from ticket sales at this inaugural event will go towards Clark County schools music programs.

The Sleep Country Amphitheater and Clark County Fair never disappoint with their summer concert series'. And as the weather heats up in August, so do the acts taking the stage! Over the following month, Sara Evans, Creed, Chris Young, Sublime, Kiss, and Motley Crue will entertain thousands of visitors from near and far.

Well-known as one of the most popular events of the year, the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival will return to Esther Short Park from August 24-26. The performance lineup was recently released and features world-renowned jazz musicians and multiple GRAMMY winners! Where else can you taste some of the best wines around while taking in an incredible lineup of heralded jazz artists?

The only thing better than a summer concert is a summer concert for charity! Every Tuesday until the end of August, Camas Meadows Golf Club is hosting Concerts for a Cause, with each week featuring a different local performer and supporting a different charity.

Don't forget to check the schedule and stay up to date with the weekly Six to Sunset and Noon Concert shows as well!

The Northwest is bursting with life in the Summer. In Camas the trees are laden with green leafs, and flowers are blooming throughout the downtown. Summer is the time when everyone comes out of the woodwork to enjoy their neighbors at festivals, farmer's markets, concerts and so many other lively events. Guests who visit Camas may particularly enjoy the multitude of activities that are goimg on in or near Camas this summer: the National Motocross Races in Washougal 7/21 & 22, Camas Days Festival & Parade 7/287 & 28, The Camas Quilt & Fiber Arts Festival 8/3 & 4, TheCamas Vintage Street Faire 8/25, and the Camas Farmer's Market every Wednesday in downtown Camas from 4:00 - 8:00pm. The Port of Camas-Washougal, which has a marina hosts Riverside Concerts throughout the summer.

Of course nearby Portland, Vancouver, and the small towns and wildnerness areas in the scenic Columbia River Gorge are full of activities as well. Visit www.bestgorge.com for more info or for Portland, Tripadvisor lists about 297 attractions. In addition to the regular attractions, Portland also has plenty of special events for foodies and music lovers.

Traveler's coming to Camas or greater Clark County will find lots to do on Father's Day Weekend. Fitness enthusiasts and beer lovers alike will have no shortage of activities to partake this Father’s Day weekend, June 15-17. The Vancouver USA Marathon and accompanying activities in Esther Short Park, the Spartan Race in Washougal, and the Who’s Your Daddy Beer Festival at Turtle Place in downtown Vancouver will make for one of the busiest weekends of the summer.

Kim Bennett, President and CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office said,. “With the recent and upcoming additions of breweries in the area, we are quickly emerging as a distinct craft brew destination, and with our ideal summer climate and terrain, we are seeing more and more fitness events, races and conferences being held here.”

On Friday and Saturday, Fit Right will be hosting a fitness expo at the Hilton Vancouver, where runners can pick up their marathon race packets and view the latest in athletic goods, services and products. The Vancouver USA Marathon (www.vancouverusamarathon.com), presented by Energy Events, will also be hosting live music and a beer garden in Esther Short Park throughout the weekend, with Widmer Brother’s Brewing, Ninkasi Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing, Micholob Ultra, and Shock Top on hand. The Freedom 5K and Kids Marathon will be held on Saturday, while the Vancouver USA Marathon and Half Marathon will take place Sunday morning, beginning from Esther Short Park.

At the Washougal Motocross Park on Saturday, a Spartan Race (www.spartanrace.com) will be held for the first time in the Pacific Northwest, as part of the national series of obstacle course races. The endurance race is a 5K and features more than 15 obstacles, including fire, water, and lots of mud, to challenge the competitors before they reach the finish line. More than 4,000 participants have registered at this point, with race organizers expecting up to 5,000 by race day. Spectators are invited out to the course as well and can purchase a $15 spectator ticket onsite the day of the race.

“We are thrilled to bring an event as unique, challenging and fun as the Spartan Race to our area,” said Ashley Shimer, Sports Sales Manager at the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office and Sports Commission. “With the various marathon races happening in downtown Vancouver and the Spartan Race taking place in Washougal the same weekend, there are options for everyone, no matter their fitness level.”

For those still searching for a unique Father’s Day weekend activity, By the Bottle will be hosting the third annual Who’s Your Daddy Beer Festival on Saturday (www.bottledbrews.com) in Turtle Place, marking the first year the festival will be outside. Entry to the event is $15, which will include a commemorative tasting glass and six sample tokens. Festivities throughout the day will include a chili cookoff, tin foil hat contest, and plenty of Washington beer sampling.

We hope you'll visit us at the Camas Hotel, or our restaurant, Oliver's, while you're in the area.